January 6, 2013

Bamboo

bamboo hut In the Philippines' rural areas, bamboo huts are still widely used for homes. Traditionally, the roof is made of nipa palm leaves. Though the roof of this one has been replaced with corrugated iron sheets, it still sports a small fringe of nipa under the peak. The raised floor, which is also made of bamboo, has many uses: it helps with air circulation and cooling; when it rains and the ground outside turns to mud, it prevents the mud from seeping into the house; and the sheltered space underneath is also where the family's animals (especially dogs and chickens) can sleep at night. This hut was along the Pan-Philippine Highway somewhere between the towns of Pagudpud and Burgos in Ilocos Norte. Not quite so remote—they're on the power grid.

6 comments:

Dina said...

It is wonderful what people can do with their local materials.

Cezar and Léia said...

I wonder how many stories the people living this humble life could tell... I'd like to chat with them and take in a bit of their experiences...
God bless you!
Cezar

Lowell said...

Some of the Seminole Indians in south Florida live in Tiki Huts, which are similar to this, but the Tiki huts are made all of thatch as I recall.

At least these folks have electricity!

LONDONLULU said...

It's a beautiful picture and also what a place, I like how you explained the many functions of the space and material. I would love to learn more about day to day life here.

Stefan Jansson said...

Interesting to see.

Unknown said...

Lovely!